Public Theology

Catalog description

Taught by ABSW. This course is co-taught by LeAnn Flesher and Michael Mathews. Preparing seminarians for work in religious communities hungry for leadership and action on their values requires rethinking what theology is and what significance it has in today's context of most pressing issues. Rather than a theology primarily focused on internal reflection and personal redemption, clergy in American communities need to expand their training to include a "public theology" that includes a more meaningful engagement of institutional and societal redemption. An integration of this broader, more inclusive theological orientation with skills of contemporary public engagement and community organizing can not only reexamine many traditional religious assumptions but also empower this new perspective for action. [20 max enrollment; Faculty Consent required] Fall 2017 Class meets in weekend intensives; Sept 7-8, Oct 12-13, Nov 9-10, and Dec 7-8. Fridays from 6:10pm-9:40pm, and Saturdays from 9:00am-4:00pm at ABSW.